March 4, 2019 — We invite you to join us in praying the Novena of Grace of Saint Francis Xavier (March 4-12). Below are links for each of the days, providing a printable Novena prayer PDF and a thoughtful reflection on Francis Xavier from Jesuits who share his name.

The present form of the Novena of Grace was begun in the 17th century by Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, SJ (1603-1637). While working in Naples, he sustained serious head injuries. Prayers were offered to St. Francis Xavier and Fr. Mastrilli recovered. In his prayer, Fr. Mastrilli heard the promise that whoever took time each year to complete the nine days of prayer would "experience Francis’s protection and might hope with great assurance that any grace they asked of God would be granted, provided it be for their good and the glory of God."

The Novena of Grace is traditionally prayed in the nine days leading up to March 12, the day Francis was declared a saint in 1622.

As you offer up your petitions during the Novena, please keep in your prayers our Jesuit men in formation who are discerning a life of service to others as a Jesuit priest or brother, and to our senior Jesuits who continue to dedicate their lives praying for the Church and for the Society of Jesus.

May 23, 2019 — “The Jesuits first had to learn to say: “We are responsible,” then “We are sorry,” and finally, “We need your help.” This is how Fr. Peter Bisson, SJ, summarizes the evolving relations between the Jesuits and indigenous peoples.

May 23, 2019 — Humility, communion, and renunciation are three "essential elements" for the Church to go forward, Pope Francis sayd in his homily during Mass with representatives of Caritas Internationalis.

Father Jean-Marie Rocheleau died on May 20, 2019, in the infirmary of Richelieu. He was in his 101st year and in religious life for 84 years. He is known to host the "Radio Sacré-Cœur" programs. He dedicated himself to giving the Spiritual Exercises to religious sisters, especially in Quebec.